2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction maintaining a robust profile. The SUV's front end was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design that aligned with other Infiniti models, giving it a confident yet understated appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with enhancements like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, the overall design leaned more towards Nissan, with some features like the foot-operated parking brake feeling less premium.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. The SUV's exterior updates included a new grille, bumpers, and LED lighting, enhancing its modernity while retaining its traditional robust styling. The Armada's interior, though updated with tech features, felt dated in design, with some materials detracting from its aesthetic. Despite this, the SUV offered practical features like a power sliding sunroof and heated side mirrors. The Armada's spaciousness was evident, though its high load floor posed challenges for loading cargo.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The SUV's 4WD system was standard in Canada, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The QX80's independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control provided a comfortable ride, though body roll was noticeable during cornering. Its towing capacity was impressive at 3,855 kilograms, surpassing some competitors. However, the transmission's shifts were not as smooth as expected, and the SUV's size limited its agility on tight trails.

The 2021 Nissan Armada also featured a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The SUV's 4WD system and robust construction made it a capable off-roader, with features like a skid plate and double-wishbone suspension. Despite its size, the Armada's handling improved with each revision, though its turning radius and parking manoeuvrability remained challenging. The SUV's towing capacity matched the QX80 at 3,856 kilograms, but its fuel efficiency was less competitive, with high consumption figures for city and highway driving.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, or an eight-seat option with a bench seat. The front seats were power-adjustable with lumbar support, though they lacked thigh support for long trips. Passenger space was ample, but cargo capacity was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row. The power liftgate and folding seats facilitated cargo handling, but storage space in the centre console was minimal, and cupholders were not optimally designed.

The 2021 Nissan Armada provided practicality with its spacious interior, though accessing it required a step up. The SUV's dashboard featured a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, but controls were distant for the driver. The second-row captain’s chairs offered comfort, reducing seating capacity to seven. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, with a high load floor complicating loading. The Armada's centre console offered deep storage, but small-item storage was limited, with few options for smartphone placement.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system's user interface was complex, with small screens and challenging controls. However, the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced driving ease, providing clear views and eliminating blind spots.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a class-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, a Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system was responsive, with clear camera views. The Armada included a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system on the Platinum trim. The steering wheel controls were functional but lacked sophistication compared to other SUVs.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added advanced features like Backup Collision Intervention, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 features, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. Additional safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror were available, though advanced driving assist technologies were absent.